Stages of the 2013 Tour de France

Stage 18, Gap to Alpe d’Huez, July 18: 168km

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This stage makes up in punch what it lacks in length. The Tour has climbed Alpe d’Huez in 26 editions but only once, in 1979, has it ascended Alpe d’Huez twice in the same Tour, and never on the same day. Aside from the fearsome switchbacks on the climb, riders must contend with a steep final portion of the descent off the rarely used Col de Sarenne, to Allemond.